Appendage Protection Assembly

ABSTRACT

An appendage protection assembly for an infant includes a set of sleeves. Each sleeve has first end that is open so that the first end is configured to insert a respective appendage of the infant into the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to insulate the respective appendage and to shield the respective appendage from contact with a device that is coupled to the respective appendage. Each of a set of slits is positioned in a second end of a respective sleeve and extends into opposing sides of the respective sleeve to define a pair of flaps. The pair of flaps is configured to be separated to allow access to digits of the respective appendage that is positioned in the respective sleeve. Each of a set of closures that is coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to an associated slit is positioned to selectively close the associated slit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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(e) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention (2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The disclosure and prior art relate to appendage protection assemblies and more particularly pertains to a new appendage protection assembly for an infant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a set of sleeves. Each sleeve has first end that is open so that the first end is configured to insert a respective appendage of an infant into the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to insulate the respective appendage, thus keeping the appendage warm. The sleeve also is configured to shield the respective appendage from contact with a device, such as an identification bracelet, tracking bracelet, and the like, that is coupled to the respective appendage. The sleeve also prevents the infant from scratching itself with nails of the digit of the respective appendage positioned in the sleeve. Each of a set of slits is positioned in a second end of a respective sleeve and extends into opposing sides of the respective sleeve to define a pair of flaps. The pair of flaps is configured to be separated to allow access to digits of the respective appendage that is positioned in the respective sleeve. The slit allows for inspection of the digits by hospital personnel. Each of a set of closures that is coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to an associated slit is positioned to selectively close the associated slit.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of an appendage protection assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an end view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, a new appendage protection assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7, the appendage protection assembly 10 generally comprises a set of sleeves 12. Each sleeve 12 has first end 14 that is open so that the first end 14 is configured to insert a respective appendage of an infant into the sleeve 12. The sleeve 12 is configured to insulate the respective appendage, thus keeping the appendage warm. The sleeve 12 also is configured to shield the respective appendage from contact with a device, such as an identification bracelet, tracking bracelet, and the like, that is coupled to the respective appendage. The sleeve 12 also prevents the infant from scratching itself with nails of the digit of the respective appendage that is positioned in the sleeve 12.

The set of sleeves 12 may comprise a pair of mittens 16, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, and a pair of socks 18, as shown in FIGS. 6-7. Each mitten 16 is shaped substantially complementary to a respective hand and an associated lower forearm of the infant. Each sock 18 is shaped substantially complementarily to a respective foot and an associated lower calf of the infant. The sleeves 12 comprise fabric to provide a soft barrier between the device and the skin of the infant, thus preventing chaffing and scratching of the skin. The sleeves 12 comprise at least one of cotton, wool, flax, hemp, and elastomer.

The assembly 10 also comprises a plurality of sets of couplers 20. Each set of couplers 20 is coupled to a respective sleeve 12 proximate to the first end 14 of the respective sleeve 12. The set of couplers 20 is configured to selectively couple to the device to couple the device to the respective sleeve 12. Each coupler 20 may comprise a strap 22, or other fastening means, such as, but not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. The strap 22 has opposing ends 24 that are coupled to the respective sleeve 12 to define a loop 26. The loops 26 are configured to insert the device, such as the identification bracelet, to couple the device to the respective sleeve 12. Each set of couplers 20 may comprise from three to eight couplers 20. Each set of couplers 20 may comprise from four to seven couplers 20. Each set of couplers 20 may comprise six couplers 20.

Each of a set of slits 28 is positioned in a second end 30 of a respective sleeve 12 and extends into opposing sides 32 of the respective sleeve 12 to define a pair of flaps 34. The flaps 34 of the pair of flaps 34 are configured to be separated, as shown in FIG. 2, to allow access to digits of the respective appendage that is positioned in the respective sleeve 12. The slit 28 allows for inspection of the digits, such as by hospital personnel.

Each of a set of closures 36 that is coupled to a respective sleeve 12 proximate to an associated slit 28 is positioned to selectively close the associated slit 28. The closure 36 comprises a set of first fasteners 38 that is coupled to one of the flaps 34 and a set of second fasteners 40 that is coupled to the other of the flaps 34. The first fasteners 38 are complementary to the second fasteners 40 so that the first fasteners 38 and the second fasteners 40 are positioned to selectively and mutually couple the pair of flaps 34 to close the slit 28. The set of first fasteners 38 and the set of second fasteners 40 may comprise a sealing hook and loop fastener 42, or other fastening means, such as, but not limited to, button, snaps, zippers, and the like.

Each of a pair of apertures 44 is positioned in a respective sock 18 so that the aperture 44 is positioned over a heel of the respective foot that is positioned in the respective sock 18. The aperture 44 is configured to allow access the heel of the respective foot, as may be required to perform a heel stick, blood draw, and the like.

Each of a pair of panels 46 is hingedly coupled to a respective sock 18 proximate to an associated aperture 44 so that the panel 46 is positioned to selectively close the associated aperture 44.

Each of a pair of first connectors 48 is coupled to a respective sock 18 proximate to an associated aperture 44. Each of a pair of second connectors 50 is coupled to a respective panel 46. The second connector 50 is complementary to an associated first connector 48 so that the second connector 50 is positioned to selectively couple to the associated first connector 48 to fixedly position the respective panel 46 over the associated aperture 44. The associated first connector 48 may comprise a first element 52 of a closing hook and loop fastener 54. The second connector 50 may comprise a tab 56 and a second element 58 of the closing hook and loop fastener 54. The tab 56 is coupled to and extends from the respective panel 46. The second element 58 is coupled to the tab 56 so that the second element 58 is positioned to selectively couple to the first element 52 to fixedly position the respective panel 46 over the associated aperture 44. The associated first connector 48 and the second connector 50 also may comprise other fastening means, such as, but not limited to, button, snaps, zippers, and the like.

In use, the sleeves 12 are positioned on the hands and feet of the infant to keep the hands and feet warm. Identification bracelets, tracking bracelets, and the like, may be coupled to the sleeves 12, as needed, using the straps 22. The sleeves 12, being positioned between any devices that are coupled to the sleeves 12 and the skin of the infant, serve to protect the skin of the infant from chaffing and scratching that can occur if the devices are in direct contact with the skin. The sleeves 12 also prevent the infant from scratching itself with fingernails and toenails.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements. 

I claim:
 1. An appendage protection assembly comprising: a set of sleeves, each sleeve having first end, the first end being open wherein the first end is configured for inserting a respective appendage of an infant into the sleeve wherein the sleeve is configured for insulating the respective appendage and shielding the respective appendage from contact with a device coupled to the respective appendage; and a set of slits, each slit being positioned in a second end of a respective sleeve and extending into opposing sides of the respective sleeve defining a pair of flaps wherein the pair of flaps is configured for separating for accessing digits of the respective appendage positioned in the respective sleeve; and a set of closures, each closure being coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to an associated slit such that the closure is positioned for selectively closing the associated slit.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, further including the set of sleeves comprising a pair of mittens and a pair of socks, each mitten being shaped substantially complementary to a respective hand and an associated lower forearm of the infant, each sock being shaped substantially complementarily to a respective foot and an associated lower calf of the infant.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, further including the sleeves comprising fabric.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, further including the sleeves comprising at least one of cotton, wool, flax, hemp, and elastomer.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further including a plurality of sets of couplers, each set of couplers being coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to the first end of the respective sleeve wherein the set of couplers is configured for selectively coupling to the device for coupling the device to the respective sleeve.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, further including each coupler comprising a strap having opposing ends coupled to the respective sleeve defining a loop wherein the loops are configured for inserting the device for coupling the device to the respective sleeve.
 7. The assembly of claim 5, further including each set of couplers comprising from three to eight couplers.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, further including each set of couplers comprising from four to seven couplers.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, further including each set of couplers comprising six couplers.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, further including the closure comprising a set of first fasteners coupled to one of the flaps and a set of second fasteners coupled to the other of the flaps, the first fasteners being complementary to the second fasteners such that the first fasteners and the second fasteners are positioned for selectively mutually coupling the pair of flaps for closing the slit.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, further including the set of first fasteners and the set of second fasteners comprising a sealing hook and loop fastener.
 12. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a pair of apertures, each aperture being positioned in a respective sock such that the aperture is positioned over a heel of the respective foot positioned in the respective sock wherein the aperture is configured for accessing the heel of the respective foot; and a pair of panels, each panel being hingedly coupled to a respective sock proximate to an associated aperture such that the panel is positioned for selectively closing the associated aperture.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a pair of first connectors, each first connector being coupled to a respective sock proximate to an associated aperture; and a pair of second connectors, each second connector being coupled to a respective panel, the second connector being complementary to an associated first connector such that the second connector is positioned for selectively coupling to the associated first connector for fixedly positioning the respective panel over the associated aperture.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, further including the associated first connector comprising a first element of a closing hook and loop fastener, the second connector comprising a tab and a second element of the closing hook and loop fastener, the tab being coupled to and extending from the respective panel, the second element being coupled to the tab such that the second element is positioned for selectively coupling to the first element for fixedly positioning the respective panel over the associated aperture.
 15. An appendage protection assembly comprising: a set of sleeves, each sleeve having first end, the first end being open wherein the first end is configured for inserting a respective appendage of an infant into the sleeve wherein the sleeve is configured for insulating the respective appendage and shielding the respective appendage from contact with a device coupled to the respective appendage, the set of sleeves comprising a pair of mittens and a pair of socks, each mitten being shaped substantially complementary to a respective hand and an associated lower forearm of the infant, each sock being shaped substantially complementarily to a respective foot and an associated lower calf of the infant, the sleeves comprising fabric, the sleeves comprising at least one of cotton, wool, flax, hemp, and elastomer; a plurality of sets of couplers, each set of couplers being coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to the first end of the respective sleeve wherein the set of couplers is configured for selectively coupling to the device for coupling the device to the respective sleeve, each coupler comprising a strap having opposing ends coupled to the respective sleeve defining a loop wherein the loops are configured for inserting the device for coupling the device to the respective sleeve, each set of couplers comprising from three to eight couplers, each set of couplers comprising from four to seven couplers, each set of couplers comprising six couplers; a set of slits, each slit being positioned in a second end of a respective sleeve and extending into opposing sides of the respective sleeve defining a pair of flaps wherein the pair of flaps is configured for separating for accessing digits of the respective appendage positioned in the respective sleeve; a set of closures, each closure being coupled to a respective sleeve proximate to an associated slit such that the closure is positioned for selectively closing the associated slit, the closure comprising a set of first fasteners coupled to one of the flaps and a set of second fasteners coupled to the other of the flaps, the first fasteners being complementary to the second fasteners such that the first fasteners and the second fasteners are positioned for selectively mutually coupling the pair of flaps for closing the slit, the set of first fasteners and the set of second fasteners comprising a sealing hook and loop fastener; a pair of apertures, each aperture being positioned in a respective sock such that the aperture is positioned over a heel of the respective foot positioned in the respective sock wherein the aperture is configured for accessing the heel of the respective foot; a pair of panels, each panel being hingedly coupled to a respective sock proximate to an associated aperture such that the panel is positioned for selectively closing the associated aperture; a pair of first connectors, each first connector being coupled to a respective sock proximate to an associated aperture; and a pair of second connectors, each second connector being coupled to a respective panel, the second connector being complementary to an associated first connector such that the second connector is positioned for selectively coupling to the associated first connector for fixedly positioning the respective panel over the associated aperture, the associated first connector comprising a first element of a closing hook and loop fastener, the second connector comprising a tab and a second element of the closing hook and loop fastener, the tab being coupled to and extending from the respective panel, the second element being coupled to the tab such that the second element is positioned for selectively coupling to the first element for fixedly positioning the respective panel over the associated aperture. 